Recent exciting research out of Catholic University in Brussels showed that a common gut bacteria can reduce weight and reverse signs of metabolic syndrome. Researched tested Akkermansia muciniphila in 32 men and women who met criteria for metabolic syndrome. This included having at least three of the five criteria for such: high fasting blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low hdl or excessive weight circumference.
A muciniphila is a normal gut bacteria but found in very low amounts in people with metabolic syndrome. In a three month trial volunteers were assigned to one of three groups. Placebo, daily tablets containing live bacteria or pasteurized bacteria. Compared to the placebo group, those that took the pasteurized A muciniphila showed significantly improved insulin sensitivity and total cholesterol and decreases in several blood markers of inflammation and liver dysfunction. The live bacteria had no affect. Waist circumference and body mass also decreased.
This study was just published in Nature Medicine. The Salerno Center will be acquiring this exciting nutrient shortly.
